The Best Dog Food For Diabetic Dogs in 2024

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When a dog is diagnosed with diabetes, it can often feel like a devastating death sentence, but the truth is that it does not have to be. Many dogs can live perfectly normal lives despite their diagnosis, provided that the right measurements are taken. In some cases, this means life-long medication (your veterinarian will advice you regarding what steps to take), but in most cases – a diet change is unavoidable.

All dogs need healthy dog food to stay fit, full of energy and health, but with a pre-existing condition like diabetes, it becomes both urgent and crucial. Learning what to feed your diabetic pup will significantly prolong their life and improve life quality, so let’s have a look at the best food for diabetic dogs.

Our team has spent hours researching products to find the best dog food for diabetic dogs, read our in-depth reviews below. Learn more about our 10 point inspection checklist.

Best Dog Food For Diabetic Dogs

1. Ketona Chicken Recipe Dry Food for Adult Dogs

Ketona Chicken Recipe is a recommended diabetic dog food that has 85% fewer carbohydrates than many other brands that offer grain-free products, and it has at least 46% quality protein. For a diabetic dog – it is absolutely crucial to watch what they eat day to day and to choose dog or puppy food using only premium ingredients. This product was originally created by the recognized author Schulof (writer of ‘Dogs, Dog Food & Dogma’), and it uses only natural ingredients from sustainable food sources, making it a great diabetic diet for dogs of all sizes.

Why We Like It – Based on the low carb content and the overall composition of ingredients, this kibble makes good dog food for diabetic dogs – perhaps even the best food for dogs with diabetes.

Related: Dog Food for Urinary Health.

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2. ROYAL CANIN Glycobalance Dry Dog Food

A diabetic dry dog food such as ROYAL CANIN Glycobalance will help regulate the blood sugar levels in the blood, keeping your pup as healthy as possible throughout his or her life. Royal Canin is known for its breed specific and veterinary prescription dog food, and this variety is made for dogs with medical conditions resulting in irregular blood sugar levels. Check what people think about this brand through Royal Canin Dog Food Review.

The balanced fiber mix helps regulate the glycemic response in your dog’s body, it has controlled amounts of fat and a taste that will have your pup convinced even if you have a picky eater on your hands.

Why We Like It – Diabetic dog foods aren’t always easy to find, but Royal Canin has this veterinary recommended dog food for dogs with diabetes, which is made for our pups with similar health issues.

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3. Hill’s Prescription Diet w/d Canine Low Fat

Get your pup this complete and nutritious diabetes food for dogs by Hill’s, which will help with gastrointestinal maintenance and glucose control. Hill Prescription Diet has extra protein and carnitine to aid with metabolism, something that is hugely beneficial for dogs with diabetes as excess weight can complicate the condition.

The fiber in this Diet dog food helps them feel full longer so that they won’t be begging for more food between meals. This dry dog food for diabetic dogs should be used upon the recommendation of a licensed veterinarian, and it represents an affordable solution when trying to give your dog the quality of life they deserve.

Why We Like It – Finding the best dry dog food for diabetic dogs is hard, but you can’t go wrong with this special recipe aimed at improving the lives of dogs with this disease. All dogs should be kept at a healthy weight, but it is even more important for diabetic dogs, and this is a dog food that makes sure they stay in good shape.

Related: Dog Food to Prevent Gas.

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4. ACANA Heritage Dry Dog Food

Dogs need good nutrition to stay healthy, but what happens when they already have a condition like diabetes? The answer is simple – it becomes even more important to make sure they get the nutrients they need. ACANA is one of the world’s best dog food brand, and they make their products with fresh and natural ingredients packed with protein, fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.

ACANA Heritage Dry Dog Food contains no artificial flavor, color or preservatives, and it is completely free from unnecessary fillers and grain. It is a suitable food for dogs with diabetes as it follows the belief of natural food making all the difference.

Why We Like It – Sometimes it is not necessary to invest in a prescription diabetes dog food, and the best dog food for a diabetic dog might be a regular high-quality kibble such as Acana. A major benefit with this product is that if you have more than one dog – you won’t have do buy them different foods.

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5. ORIJEN Dry Dog Food

Dog food for diabetes with a total of 85% meat and 15% of fruit and vegetables. ORIJEN Dry Dog Food has no tapioca or plant protein concentrates, making it a pure and organic food product fit for dogs with the disease. Diabetes does not have to be life altering for your pup, provided you take your responsibility as his or her owner, by switching over to a quality dog food like Orijen.

ORIJEN Dog Food, Original, Biologically Appropriate & Grain Free is biologically appropriate dog food suitable for all dog breeds and all ages, and it is beneficial both for dogs with diabetes and for healthy dogs.

Why We Like It – It is the best dry dog food for diabetic dogs when there are also non-diabetic dogs in the family, as it provides all your pups with a high-quality premium diet where natural ingredients dominate. Got a senior dog? Try this Orijen dog food for seniors.

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6. Merrick Grain Free Dry Dog Food

This grain-free recipe with real buffalo and sweet potato by Merrick dog foodsCertainly, it looks like your inquiry lacks the specific text you want to be rephrased. Could you please provide the text you’re referring to? Without it, I’m unable to proceed with your request.make a great nonprescription diabetic dog food and one you won’t have to spend all your earnings on. It is slightly more economical than other natural dog food brands, while not compromising on the quality.

It has industry-leading levels of fatty acids like Omega-3 and Omega-6 to give your pup a healthy-looking skin and coat, glucosamine and chondroitin for bone and joint health, gluten-free ingredients for improved digestion and beneficial levels of fat, protein, fiber and more. Diabetic dog food does not have to be made for the purpose, which this delicious and healthy kibble proves.

Why We Like It – Merrick makes cheaper dog food that is just as packed with nutrition as many of their competitors but at a lower price. It takes care of your diabetic pup from the inside and out, with ingredients to aid both bones, joints, coat, skin, heart, and brains.

Got a puppy? Try this grain free puppy dog food.

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7. Wellness CORE Natural Grain Free Wet Canned Dog Food

Start your pooch on this dog diabetes diet and notice the positive change almost right away. Being a wet dog food for diabetic dogs, Wellness CORE can be used alone as a complete meal, or as a topping to convince picky eaters to finish their dinner. The regulated mineral levels help make sure the dog’s metabolism works efficiently; to keep excess weight off and control common symptoms and side-effects of diabetes.

When it comes to dog food; diabetes shouldn’t have to complicate things, and with this Wellness Core dog food, you can keep feeding your furry best friend the best that there is, while also caring for them with their new diagnosis in mind.

Why We Like It – Not all dogs will eat whatever food you put in their bowl, but even the pickiest of eats probably won’t be able to resist this mushy can of deliciousness.

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8. Instinct Original Grain Free Canned Dog Food by Nature’s Variety

Give your fur bestie energy for the whole day by getting them this Nature’s Variety dog food for diabetic dogs over the counter. It is not conditioned specific dog food, but a high-quality premium kibble which will give your pooch all the health benefits needed to regulate their diabetes. It is made with 95% turkey, chicken and chicken liver, and 5% fruit, veggies, and other wholesome ingredients.

Instinct has no potato or other unnecessary fillers, and they do not use added sugar, colorants or artificial preservatives. If you have been searching all over for the best dog food for dogs with diabetes, you can rest assured that this revolutionary kibble has all the nutrients your pooch needs to thrive.

Why We Like It – Instinct prides themselves in only using real, fresh and partially raw ingredients in the making of their dog food, which is exactly what your pup with diabetes needs. It is somewhat pricier than other similar brands, but the quality content makes it worth it.

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9. Taste of the Wild Grain-Free Canned Stew Dog Food

If your dog is a fan of canned food – this Taste Of The Wild dog foodCertainly, it looks like your inquiry lacks the specific text you want to be rephrased. Could you please provide the text you’re referring to? Without it, I’m unable to proceed with your request.is possibly the best diabetic dog food you could find. Choose between venison and bison, salmon, lamb, wild boar and duck; each variety packed with protein to promote lean and strong muscle, and with flavor that does not compare to that of many other brands.

Why We Like It – If Taste Of The Wild this isn’t on your diabetic dog food list already – add it, as it is almost a given that your dog will love it. Use it as a food topping or feed it on its own!

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Bonus Buy:

AlphaTRAK 2 Blood Glucose Monitoring System Starter Kit

With only a small amount of blood, these test strips (used with the AlphaTRAK or AlphaTRAK 2 meters) will tell you the current blood sugar level of your dog or cat. AlphaTRAK 2 Blood Glucose Monitoring System Starter Kit is hugely beneficial when trying to keep track of your diabetic pet and their current state of health.

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Diabetic Dog Food Buyers Guide

Buying food for diabetic dogs is only hard when you don’t know what you are looking for; as the dog food market has exploded with healthy and nutritious options in recent years. You can get a veterinary recommended product made for dogs with diabetes – a diabetic food for dogs – or choose a premium brand with enough nutrients to make it a suitable diabetes diet for dogs. What you choose depends on your and your furry friend, but you can be sure that with a bit of patience – you will find the one that works best for you.

The good news is that diabetes does not necessarily need to have a significant effect on your dog if you are willing to go the extra mile and put your four-legged pal on the best dog food for diabetic doggies. With the best diet for diabetic dogs, your fur friend will be able to continue taking those long walks with you, playing with their friends at the dog park and enjoying life to the fullest!

Canine Diabetes

Dogs with diabetes have a chronic disease, which basically means that it can be treated and managed – but not cured. Diabetes affects humans, dogs, cats, pigs, apes, horses and other animals, and in all cases, a good treatment plan is required, and it should preferably be set in as early on as possible. In dogs, the most common form of diabetes is Diabetes mellitus – “sugar diabetes,” and it is a disorder that directly affects the metabolism and the body’s ability to convert food consumed to sustainable energy.

For the dog’s body to make proper use of the food it is fed, it needs healthy levels of glucose and insulin. When the dog eats, some of what it consumes is broken down and converted to glucose, and it is an energy source that is vital to organs and certain body cells. Insulin, on the other hand, is what instructs the body to make use of the glucose that moves through the canine body with the bloodstream. In dogs with diabetes, it is this connection between glucose and insulin that isn’t working the way that it should, which can then lead to certain health consequences.

Diabetes and the Importance of Food

Dogs usually have either insulin-deficiency diabetes, which requires daily insulin shots and a healthy diet, or they can have insulin-resistance diabetes known to affect mostly older dogs. Both varieties require a change in lifestyle; where it is essential to keep excess weight off by feeding a high-quality dog food for diabetic dogs.

One side-effect of diabetes is that the levels of sugar in the blood gets unusually high, which can have a long-term and permanent effect on the inner organs. Due to this, it can be devastating for a dog with diabetes to be fed a low-quality grocery store food brand, and they should instead be put on a proper diet for diabetic dogs.

Many dog owners underestimate the importance of a diabetes diet for dog family members with this incurable condition, but it can mean the difference between living a long and healthy life and a life dominated by the disease. All dogs regardless of health deserve to be fed quality dog food, but when your pup has diabetes, it could literally become a question of life and death.

Sugar

Sugar is hard to avoid completely as it exists naturally in a variety of dog food ingredients, but the real problem for diabetic dogs is added sugar. Have a look at the dog food brands sold at your local food store, and you will quickly notice that almost all of them have ‘sugar’ listed among the ingredients. This is usually a sign of low-quality dog food; which makes it unsuitable as a dog diabetes food and should be avoided completely. The products brought forward in this article are all free from added sugar and made by companies that have tour bestie’s best in mind.

Fiber

As diabetes is a disease that affects metabolism, the best dog food for diabetic dogs will have plenty of healthy fiber. Fiber allows your dog’s body to work more efficiently when processing consumed food, and it aids with digestion by binding nutrients together. Fiber is found in ingredients like pumpkin, carrots, green beans, peas, apples, bran, and brown rice, so keep an eye out for these before deciding on the dog food for diabetic dogs you plan to feed. See some high fiber dog foods here.

Protein

Quality protein in combination with the right carbohydrates and low-fat dog food content can work to slow down the absorption of glucose, which halts the negative effects of diabetes to a certain point. Quality protein is recognized quite easily, and you want to make sure that the dog food you pick has real meat or quality meat meal listed first in the ingredient list. Look for named meat products; like a lamb, beef, chicken, and turkey, and avoid products which only lists the word “meat.” All animal by-products should be avoided, as these are not considered high-quality protein sources.

What Can I Feed My Diabetic Dog?

In most cases, any high-quality dog food with natural ingredients will work miracles for your dog with diabetes. Eating healthy is not only important for humans, but for dogs too, and even more so when diabetes is involved. Find a product with plenty of protein, fiber, good levels of fat and carbohydrates, and preferably a product your pup will love to eat as he or she needs nutrition more than ever.

How Can I Find the Best Diabetic Dog Food Brands?

Diabetic dog food brands aren’t always known for their low glycemic dog foods, so don’t get hung up on the typical food for diabetic dogs. We have brands like Hill’s Science Diet and Royal Canin, which both have great options for dogs with diagnosed diabetes, but you can also take other high-quality brands like Orijen, Acana, and Instinct into consideration, as they make dog food to boost the health of all dogs regardless of medical diagnoses. Quality ingredients are the most important thing to look for, rather than the food product known as a glucose management dog food.

Best Diabetic Dog Diet for a Senior Dog?

Consider the ‘Merrick Grain Free Dry Dog Food Real Buffalo & Sweet Potato’ when choosing the best food for diabetic dog friends in your family, especially if the dog is a senior, as this food contains healthy levels of glucosamine and chondroitin – known to aid with bone and joint health, on top of other health benefits. See more senior dog foods here.

Conclusion

If you suspect your dog to have diabetes, take him or her to the vet for a routine check. Common symptoms are excessive thirst, weight loss despite an increased appetite, increased urination and depression. These symptoms could also be those of other health conditions, and it is important to have it checked out as soon as possible. Should it turn out that your dog does have diabetes – don’t worry, there are things to be done. A good and healthy diet is the first step.

Diabetic dog food reviews can offer help an insight when choosing a low glycemic dog food, and they can help you discover the difference between two similar products, as well as compare prices and ingredients. Take care of your dog with diabetes from the first day after having received the diagnosis, and you will soon discover that diabetes is almost always far from a death sentence. With the right care and diet, your dog will get to live a long and healthy life he or she deserves.

Expert Tip

Don’t let the packaging fool you when choosing a food brand for your dog with diabetes, as marketing is often deceitful. Instead, learn what to look for and always read the ingredient list before making a purchase.

Did You Know?

The sooner diabetes is diagnosed in a dog, the better are the chances for that dog to continue living a normal life. With this in mind, any suspicions or concerns should be brought up with a licensed veterinarian.